SciTech Campus

Meet the Mason Nation: Marit Majeske

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 13:52:36 +0000

Meet the Mason Nation: Marit Majeske Lauren Reuscher Thu, 10/10/2024 - 09:52

Marit Majeske

Job: Education Coordinator, Hylton Performing Arts Center

Marit Majeske helps bring the arts to people of all ages as education coordinator at the Hylton Performing Arts Center. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

The Hylton Performing Arts Center opened its doors at ��AV in 2010, and Marit Majeske, education coordinator, has been along for the ride ever since.

Located on George Mason’s Science and Technology Campus in Manassas, Virginia, the Hylton Center is managed by the College of Visual and Performing Arts. The center was created in partnership with Prince William County, the City of Manassas, and the Commonwealth of Virginia, with help from private donors and local business members. Today, it boasts 102,000 square feet of space to serve the community through performances and arts programming.

Hometown arts: After graduating from college, Majeske worked on political campaigns. But in 2010, she was ready for a change, and something was calling her to the arts, which had long been her passion. When Majeske heard that George Mason was opening a performing arts center in Prince William County—where she grew up—she decided to apply for a job.

Getting the house in order: Majeske started out as the front of house manager, where she built the volunteer usher and accessibility programs and created procedures to ensure a smooth visitor experience. In 2016, she took the additional role of interim education coordinator, which later became a full-time position. While working at the Hylton Center, Majeske earned her master’s in arts management from George Mason.

A broad palette: Today, Majeske leads the Hylton Center’s Education Initiative, which offers learners of all ages free opportunities to experience and engage in the arts. “Through in-person and virtual programming such as field trips, backstage tours, lecture-demonstrations, and masterclasses led by professional artists, every community member can experience the arts in meaningful ways,” Majeske said.

Arts class: Working with local school districts is one of Majeske’s favorite parts of the job. The Hylton Center hosts students from public schools in Prince William County, the City of Manassas, and the City of Manassas Park, as well as others, for arts programming.

“These schools have impressive arts programs, and I enjoy getting the opportunity to provide additional experiences to students and teachers that support their work in the classroom,” Majeske said.

Peak performance: In the 2023–24 season, nearly 20,000 learners of all ages participated in Hylton Center Education Initiative programming. Majeske says that meeting the growing needs of the community is one of the most fulfilling, but also the most challenging, parts of her jobs.

Marit Majeske has worked at the Hylton Center since it opened in 2010, and she is also a George Mason alum. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

“We have seen significant growth in our Education Initiative engagement since 2020, and we hope to continue to expand in a way that provides a wide range of arts experiences reaching learners of all ages—from preschool through lifelong learners,” Majeske said.

Introducing the cast: Majeske’s work intersects with the Mason Artist-in-Residence program, in which artists participate in creative activities with the community prior to their public Hylton Center performances.

“One of my favorite things is getting to know the artists’ interests beyond their art form, which lends itself to creating unique opportunities for engagement with our community members,” Majeske said.

Behind the curtain: Building opportunities for connection between artists and their audiences drives Majeske’s work. And sometimes, it goes off-script. A lifelong fan of Broadway, one of her fondest George Mason memories was when Broadway star Brian Stokes Mitchell performed at the Hylton Center.

“That evening, while I was addressing our ushers backstage prior to the performance, Mr. Stokes Mitchell stumbled upon our meeting and had been quietly listening in the background,” Majeske said. “Unprompted, he stepped forward, introduced himself, and thanked everyone for welcoming him. What a lovely surprise for our ushers!”

All the world’s a stage—and a classroom: Through her work at Hylton and her own educational experiences, Majeske knows that valuable learning happens outside the confines of a classroom. When she’s not working or taking in performances, she loves to explore, frequently taking in historic sites, museums, and independent bookstores. “I am a firm believer in lifelong learning,” she said.

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George Mason becomes new home for 400,000 biological specimens from Inova Health Systems

Mary Cunningham — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 00:07:11 +0000

George Mason becomes new home for 400,000 biological specimens from Inova Health Systems Mary Cunningham Tue, 07/16/2024 - 20:07

��AV’s College of Public Health is the new home of 400,000 biological specimens through a partnership with Inova Health Systems. This repository of specimens, called a biobank, is an extensive collection of obstetrical and perinatal samples, along with follow-up health information, providing a rare and invaluable asset in public health and in the education of our future health, science, and technology care workforce.

“The biorepository creates opportunities for Mason to expand its collaborations with Inova, biotechnology partners, and other universities in Virginia, as well as unique educational opportunities,” said Melissa Perry, dean of the college.

Larry Maxwell, president of the Women’s Service Line at Inova Health System, said, “The investment by Inova Health System as well as additional support from the Fairfax County Government have created an unprecedented resource of placenta as well as blood specimens from mother, father, and baby [trios] corresponding to over 4,000 families. These biospecimens and corresponding data continue to support scientific research to better understand the obstetrical diseases that contribute to rising rates of maternal morbidity and mortality locally, regionally, and nationally.”

A range of specimens (e.g., saliva, urine, and blood) were collected with consent from an Inova cohort study that followed more than 4,000 women, their partners, and their children from pregnancy into early childhood to examine maternal health, pregnancy outcomes, and children’s growth and development.

Biobank program leads Carolyn Drews-Botsch and Michael S. Bloom. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

“The transfer of the biobank from Inova Health System to the College of Public Health serves as a testament to our strong public–private partnership, and underscores George Mason’s dedication to advancing health in pregnancy and early childhood,” said Alison Cuellar, College of Public Health associate dean for research. The biobank is housed at the university’s Science and Technology Campus in Manassas, Virginia.

The biobank offers an unprecedented opportunity for George Mason researchers to engage with and involve Virginia’s undergraduate and graduate students in health and public health science, to expand Virginia’s health, science, and technology workforce pipeline and enhance its diversity.

“The availability of such comprehensive and diverse datasets within a single biobank is rare, making it an attractive asset for collaboration and groundbreaking research endeavors,” said Michael S. Bloom, program lead of the College of Public Health Biobank and George Mason professor.

Space at the SciTech Campus for the biobank was renovated to hold the 11 tanks (called dewars) and freezers full of specimens. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Bloom and co-lead Carolyn Drews-Botsch started the work for the biobank transfer in 2021. Inova chose Bloom and Drews-Botsch after extensive vetting of their prior research experience, including involvement in large cohort studies, such as those from which these specimens are drawn. Space at the SciTech Campus for the biobank was renovated to hold the 11 tanks (called dewars) and freezers full of specimens. The containers are kept between -80 degrees C and -190 degrees C to maintain specimen integrity during long-term storage.

“These specimens will be vital for public health researchers who are looking to identify associations and factors that support healthy pregnancy and child health and ultimately benefit the public’s health,” said Drews-Botsch, a professor in the College of Public Health.

The professors expect the biobank to become a leading resource for collaborative projects once a research database is developed, with other researchers analyzing the data to answer important public health questions.

“By actively fostering these partnerships, George Mason can position itself as a leader in research around maternal health and early childhood and contribute to the advancement of public health on a larger scale,” Perry said.

Uncover more research at the College of Public Health

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Michael S. Bloom, PhD, MS, FACE

Carolyn Drews-Botsch, PhD, MPH

Alison Evans Cuellar, PhD, MBA

Melissa J. Perry, Sc.D., MHS

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At Mason-led conference, forensic science experts offer training and insight for rural practitioners

Sarah Holland — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 14:13:26 +0000

At Mason-led conference, forensic science experts offer training and insight for rural practitioners Sarah Holland Mon, 09/11/2023 - 10:13

Walking into a lecture hall to a PowerPoint about a homicide is startling for those unacquainted with the intricacies of forensic sciences. For an audience of medical examiners, law enforcement, and prosecutors at the 2023 National Center on Forensics Conference, it’s just another day on the job.

Jay King of Chesapeake Search Dogs, with Skyler the spaniel, was among the presenters at the 2023 National Center on Forensics conference on Mason's SciTech Campus.
Photo by Sarah Holland/��AV

The conference was the culminating event of the National Institute of Justice’s $2 million grant to ��AV and its partners to create the National Center on Forensics. With sessions on topics like “Challenges in Homicide Cases Involving Native Americans and Rural Areas,” and discussions of new methodologies like genetic genealogy and the role of canines in the investigative process, the conference aimed to help a wide community of medical and legal practitioners in rural areas learn how to solve these efficiently and effectively utilizing current forensic analysis techniques.

“Smaller agencies—like those in rural areas—don't have the resources to get the same level of training on emerging techniques and technologies as those agencies in urban areas like Fairfax County,” said Joseph DiZinno, associate professor of forensic science at Mason and PI on the grant. “We hope to remedy that through events like this conference.”

“Introducing rural departments to new technologies and methodologies and demonstrating their implementation has already had a huge impact,” said Kayla Wallace, coroner liaison for the Montana Forensic Science Division, one partner on the grant. “Many of our attendees have not had access to these tools before, and we hope to see them continue to implement in the future.”

Attendees at the conference at the SciTech Campus heard from experts in forensic pathology, several areas of forensic science, and criminal law like Cece Moore, leading genetic genealogist; Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, who served as special prosecutor for the Derek Chauvin case; and Matthew Gamette, laboratory system director for the Idaho State Police Forensic Services, who worked on the recent Idaho State murders case.

To ensure that as many practitioners as possible have access to this education and training, conference panels were recorded and will be available online.

From left: Joseph DiZinno, Dan Milner, Kayla Wallace, and Mike Kuykendall.
Photo by Evan Cantwell/��AV

“Our rural attendees don’t have many opportunities to talk to other practitioners about the complex issues and challenges they face," said Dan Milner, consultant pathologist for the American Society of Clinical Pathologists—one of the grant partners—and executive director of the Access to Oncology Medicines Coalition. “There’s a lot of discussion after the sessions and lots of questions being asked, both with panelists and amongst the attendees. They're really taking advantage of being in the same room as their colleagues.”

Mike Kuykendall, director of the Center for Excellence in Governance at the National Association of Attorneys General, the third partner on the grant, noted the importance of networking the conference provided. “The contacts they’ve made here can impact the rest of their careers.”

In addition to engaging medico-legal practitioners, the conference provided experiential learning opportunities for forensic science students at Mason through the planning and running of the conference. Students had the opportunity to build their resumes, hear directly from renowned experts, and meet active practitioners in all areas of forensic science.

“To be around experts and active practitioners so early in my career was surreal,” said Mariana Cruz, BS Forensic Science ’23, who is currently working on her master’s in forensic science. “I was making incredible connections, as well as really seeing how every part of the process—from medical examiners up through the court systems—must work together to solve these cases.”

Lorena Garcia, a junior in Mason’s forensic science program who grew up near a rural area in North Carolina, has firsthand experience seeing the discrepancies in resources between urban and rural offices. “This conference was so important because rural sheriffs have little to no funding and so many barriers,” she said. Garcia has made friends within the sheriff’s office of her hometown of Smithfield, and when she returned home after the conference, she said, “One of the officers told me I was learning more than some of the people in the office had experienced in their lifetime. She told me, ‘You’re going to change the world.’”

Learn More About Forensic Science at Mason

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Wexton’s visit to Science and Technology Campus explores research and economic impact

Colleen Rich — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 20:18:31 +0000

Wexton’s visit to Science and Technology Campus explores research and economic impact Colleen Rich Wed, 08/30/2023 - 16:18

Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton visits the ��AV Science and Technology Campus
Photo by Evan Cantwell/��AV

U.S. Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton toured ��AV’s Science and Technology Campus on Tuesday, August 29. The campus is located in Virginia’s 10th Congressional District, which Wexton represents.

During her visit, Wexton delved into Mason’s economic impact and partnerships with Prince William County and the City of Manassas and explored SciTech’s research labs. Neuroscience PhD student Dylan Scarton was among the researchers presenting their work. Scarton shared his endeavors into developing a biomaterial for peripheral nerve regeneration. His findings could lead to optimized recovery outcomes and reduced healing time for those suffering from severe peripheral nerve damage.

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Catherine Martini is the June Employee of the Month

Sarah Holland — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 18:42:29 +0000

Catherine Martini is the June Employee of the Month Sarah Holland Thu, 06/01/2023 - 14:42

Be compliant, be safe, and be efficient: It’s crucial for laboratories to strike a balance between these three core tenets.

Thanks to the hard work of Catherine Martini, the Biomedical Research Laboratory (BRL) on ��AV's Science and Technology Campus has found the perfect equilibrium.

President Gregory Washington with Employee of the Month Catherine Martini. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Creative Services

Martini, BS Biology ’88, remembers Mason from her time as a student: “When SUB I was the center of campus, eating pizza at ‘The Rat’ was the in thing, and parking in K lot felt like you were in a different state.”

Since returning to Mason in 2020 as a biosafety officer, Martini has made marked improvements to the BRL’s culture of compliance, as well as reduced the number of reportable incidents. She has worked diligently with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regulators to rectify identified issues, including stepping into the role of responsible officer of the BRL’s Federal Select Agent Program (SAP), in addition to her other duties. As a result, this year’s CDC inspection was near perfect: a historic best for the BRL.

“Catherine’s team-oriented approach, disciplined attention to compliance issues, and professionalism is a testament to her dedication to Mason’s success and safety of Mason employees,” said David Farris, executive director of Safety and Emergency Management. “Catherine’s efforts have demonstrated to the CDC, our faculty and staff, and our peers that ��AV is committed to making Mason a safe place to work and learn."

“Her relationship skills on display at the BRL are a shining example of the Mason value: We thrive together,” said Julie Zobel, associate vice president of Safety, Emergency, and Enterprise Risk Management.

“Catherine has gone above and beyond to elevate the safety of the program and continue to diligently work to make the program better,” said Rachel Pepin, Director of Research Support Operations for the Biomedical Research Laboratory. “Her presence and clear dedication have strengthened the safety of the BRL’s Federal Select Agent Program and her collaborative, engaged, and positive demeanor is an asset to the facility, program, and Mason.”

How you got to Mason

I came back to Mason after working for almost 20 years at American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), a biological resource center located across the street from the SciTech campus. While at ATCC I worked in Regulatory Compliance, Biosafety, and as the Alternate Responsible Official for their Select Agent Program (SAP).

Best day on the job

This will sound a bit odd, but I really like it when CDC comes out to inspect our Select Agent Program. It gives us the opportunity to showcase our High Containment Laboratories, the research that is done here, and to highlight our exceptional program, which includes the personnel and the comprehensive level of training that they complete. The inspections also afford us the opportunity to learn and to improve our program. The staff and students at the BRL are incredibly talented, intelligent, and just an exceptional group of people to work with, and they contribute to the success of our Select Agent program every single day.

What do you like best about working at Mason

The people. Everyone is incredibly friendly and always eager to help. The work environment fosters communication and cooperation, and there are always learning and professional development opportunities available. On top of that is the ability to attend conferences and to network with other research personnel.

What do you like to do when you’re not working

I love snuggling with my fur babies. I have many and they are very demanding. I love kayaking, hiking, visiting museums, and catching the latest big screen movie. I would really like to catch some baseball games again, but I’m still waiting on the Nats to re-sign all the good players they let go.

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Study finds probiotics are not only good for the gut, they affect other organs too

Colleen Rich — Mon, 17 Apr 2023 15:03:47 +0000

Study finds probiotics are not only good for the gut, they affect other organs too Colleen Rich Mon, 04/17/2023 - 11:03

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 40% of Americans are classified as obese, leading obesity to be considered a significant public health threat. High fat diets, which are often cited as a cause of obesity, can also result in the development of metabolic syndrome, a group of conditions that may promote the progression of serious health conditions, including cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. With obesity rates still rising, the hunt is on for ways to combat the negative effects of a high fat diet. ��AV researchers now believe they have discovered a possible answer—probiotic supplementation.

Mason researchers Robin Couch and Allyson Dailey in the lab.
Photo by Evan Cantwell/Creative Services

Robin Couch and Allyson Dailey, researchers in Mason’s College of Science and the Institute for Biohealth Innovation, are interested in the correlations between dietary intake and overall health. In a recent study, Couch and Dailey partnered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to explore the influence of probiotic supplementation on a higher fat diet, using pigs as model organisms.

The research team looked at four groups of pigs—two groups that were fed nutritionally balanced diets with and without probiotic supplementation, and two groups that were fed higher fat diets with and without probiotic supplementation. The probiotic that was tested is known as Lacticaseibacillus paracasei. After six months of dietary intake, organ tissue samples obtained from the pigs were examined, specifically looking at their molecular composition.

Couch and Dailey were looking at specifically at metabolites, substances that are produced or used during metabolism. They found that the kidneys and the brain were particularly sensitive to a high-fat diet and when certain metabolites were noted to be at harmful levels, the kidneys and the brain were the most susceptible.

In contrast, they also discovered that, with probiotic supplementation, many of the detrimental metabolite levels reverted to levels found in pigs that were fed a healthy diet. In other words, probiotic supplementation staved off the negative effects associated with a high-fat diet, illustrating how probiotics may play a key role in preventative health care.

“We’d like to see probiotic intake become a regular part of the dietary recommendations that a physician would give to a patient,” said Dailey.

The researchers are also aiming to investigate other probiotic strains.

“If different strains do have distinct effects on the body, then you could see individualized probiotics, or even probiotic cocktails, being used to treat specific diseases,” said Couch. “We think it’s likely that, alongside pharmaceuticals, prescribing probiotics that address various diseases will be more commonplace in the future.”

Additionally, Couch and Dailey view this study as a stepping stone to potential subsequent work on how other nutrients, such as protein and carbohydrates, affect tissue composition.

“We specifically looked at the influence of a high-fat diet in our research, but this opens up a whole world of nutritional investigation at the metabolic level,” said Couch.

For now, the researchers are hoping that their study, which was recently published in the journal Metabolites, serves to add scientific validity to the claims of the benefits of probiotics.

“This is progress towards providing new evidence that probiotics are good for you and that what you consume has a profound effect on your health,” said Dailey. “These findings can contribute to the creation of revolutionary solutions, and, in the end, that’s why I’m in this—to help people thrive.”

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SciTech’s ‘social butterfly’ retires after 30 years of service

Lauren Reuscher — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 17:11:34 +0000

SciTech’s ‘social butterfly’ retires after 30 years of service Lauren Reuscher Wed, 04/05/2023 - 13:11

Molly Grove, SciTech Campus. Photo by Ron Aira

After more than 30 years of service, Molly Grove, the associate director for Community and Local Government Relations at ��AV’s Science and Technology Campus, is retiring.

Grove’s Mason journey began in 1992 as a part-time coordinator, planning the university’s Commencement and convocation ceremonies. Over the years, she has earned a reputation as a “social butterfly” and the “face of the SciTech Campus.”

“Molly has been the SciTech Campus’ lifeline to the community, working with business, government, and education leaders since its beginning. She’s left an indelible fingerprint on SciTech,” said Ron Carmichael, the campus’ director of administration and operations.

In addition to relationship-building, Grove leads event planning at SciTech. She was especially busy in the past year, coordinating the triple groundbreaking of the Life Sciences and Engineering Building, Innovation Town Center, and University Village in honor of Mason’s 50th anniversary.

“There have been so many wonderful memories during my time at Mason,” Grove said. “I will always look back at representing the university in the community with great affection.”

Grove served on many business and civic boards on Mason’s behalf. She was involved in the launch of Leadership Prince William, a nonprofit organization focused on training individuals and organizations to enrich the community through collaborative leadership. In 2008, she was a member of Leadership Prince William’s introductory class. She went on to serve as co-chair of its Board of Regents.

Mason’s rewarding relationship with the Prince William Chamber of Commerce is due largely to Grove’s efforts. As chair of the Prince William–Greater Manassas Chamber of Commerce, she co-managed the 2010 merger of that chamber with the Prince William Regional Chamber of Commerce.

“The Prince William Chamber has been a great partner for Mason,” Grove said. “Many of our efforts at SciTech were supported by the chamber including Mason’s 50th Anniversary Celebration that was held last fall.”

One of Grove’s chief accomplishments was the conceptualizing of a statue to honor former senator Charles J. Colgan for his 40 years of service in the Virginia Senate. Colgan was a staunch supporter of higher education and played a pivotal role in securing land for the establishment of the SciTech Campus.

The statue’s unveiling in 2016 coincided with Colgan’s 90th birthday. Seven former Virginia governors, two former lieutenant governors, and a congressman were among the distinguished guests in attendance at the dedication ceremony.

“Seeing the smile on the senator’s face when he stood next to his life-size statue at the installation was an unforgettable moment,” Grove said.

With retirement ahead, Grove plans to spend more time in her garden, crafting, and improving her golf game. She’s especially looking forward to doing some landscaping.

“I love getting on my John Deere to mow my three acres,” she said.

“Molly has provided me with advice and guidance every step of the way,” Carmichael said. “I wish her all the best in this new phase of her life. She will definitely be missed.”

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Robin Frey is November Employee of the Month

Colleen Rich — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 18:43:03 +0000

Robin Frey is November Employee of the Month Colleen Rich Tue, 11/01/2022 - 14:43

Robin Frey is known as an innovator. As fitness manager at the Freedom Aquatic and Fitness Center on ��AV’s Science and Technology Campus, Frey oversees the fitness staff, maintains group exercise programming, and teaches cycling, strength, and dance classes.

President Washington with November Employee of the Month Robin Frey. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Creative Services

But she is also the lead trainer and clinical exercise specialist for the Exercise is Medicine (EIM) program, part of a global health initiative managed by the American College of Sports Medicine that she introduced to the Freedom Center in 2018.

Through the program, which focuses on using exercise for chronic disease prevention, management, and rehabilitation, Frey “is truly saving lives,” said Ronald Carmichael, director of administration and operations at the SciTech Campus.

“She works tirelessly to ensure that the fitness program at Freedom is by far the best in the region,” Carmichael said.

For her tireless and innovative work, Frey is November Employee of the Month.

Frey shares the honor with her team, she said, “for if not for their talent, drive, and passion for our cause, we would not be successful.”

Frey said she began researching medical fitness several years ago as a way to address the rising statistics of chronic disease in conjunction with sedentary lifestyles.

With the implementation of the EIM program, “we hired an amazing program manager, Tammy Rowland, and created a hand-selected team of credentialed individuals,” Frey said.

The EIM team works with patients, often referred by clinicians, and implements specialized plans for behavior change, lifestyle education, and clinical exercise prescription based on diagnosis.

“Each client is different, and Robin has built trust and confidence with not only the health care community and fitness professionals but with these patients,” said Michael Wharton, business manager for the Freedom Center.

Frey also led the YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program at the Freedom Center.

Her colleagues applauded her efforts in continually finding new programs for clients, new training opportunities for staff, and maintaining her programs throughout the pandemic.

“Robin’s passion, inspiration and positive attitude in achieving excellence is an exemplary model for our members and of the Freedom Center values,” said Scott Prescott, building engineer for the Freedom Center.

How she got to Mason:

I was referred by a fitness associate who worked at the Freedom Center. I started part-time as an instructor in 2008 and became more involved on the program side in 2010. I introduced several programs, including a challenging weight-loss program that ran successfully for several years and advanced fitness fee-based programs. I began my current role as fitness manager in 2014.

Best day on the job:

Every day. We have a mission to promote health and wellness, and each day brings new opportunities.

What she likes best about working at Mason:

The incredible support of my manager, Olga O’Brien, who believes and trusts in what we do. I am also blessed with a very talented staff.

What she does when he’s not working:

I love being outdoors, cycling, kayaking, going to the beach, spending time with my family, and reading historical and old classic novels.

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Retro Mason: Science and Technology Campus dedicated 1997

Colleen Rich — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 20:53:52 +0000

Retro Mason: Science and Technology Campus dedicated 1997 Colleen Rich Thu, 09/15/2022 - 16:53

In 1994 ��AV broke ground on 120 acres in Prince William County that was donated by IBM, local real-estate developers, and private families. Originally called the Prince William Institute, that parcel, now the Science and Technology Campus, anchors the Innovation Park in that county and is home to the Biomedical Research Laboratory, a Biosafety Level 3 research facility that is one of only 12 in the country, and an outdoor forensic science research laboratory that is one of only eight in the world.

In this photo from the campus dedication and opening of the first building on September 24, 1997, are former President George Johnson, Prince William County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathleen Seefeldt, State Senator Charles J. "Chuck" Colgan, Delegate Harry Parrish, and President Alan Merten.

Photo credit: University Libraries' Special Collections Research Center, ��AV Photograph Collection, 1950s-1999

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Mason’s Science and Technology Campus is about to be transformed

Colleen Rich — Mon, 25 Apr 2022 19:01:07 +0000

Mason’s Science and Technology Campus is about to be transformed Colleen Rich Mon, 04/25/2022 - 15:01

In This Story

Gregory Washington

The groundbreaking for the new Life Sciences and Engineering Building and the much-anticipated Innovation Town Center and University Village at Innovation projects took place on Friday, April 22, on Mason's Science and Technology Campus in Manassas. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Creative Services

��AV’s 50th anniversary celebration continued Friday, with the official unveiling of a project designed to transform its Science and Technology Campus in Manassas, Virginia.

The university broke ground on a new Life Sciences and Engineering Building and the much-anticipated Innovation Town Center and University Village at Innovation projects, which will allow the SciTech Campus to provide a full array of academic offerings and university life experiences for students and community members.

Officials from project partners Stanley Martin Homes and Castle Rock Partners LLC joined state, local and university officials among the roughly 200 guests on hand to usher in the new era.

The Life Sciences and Engineering Building, a 132,000-square-foot facility, will support students enrolled in STEM-H majors. Rendering by EYP Architecture & Engineering

“We come together not just to break ground on the Life Sciences and Engineering Building, the Innovation Town Center, and the University Village at Innovation,” Mason President Gregory Washington said. “But we’ve actually come together to break ground on a true commitment, a shared vision that will empower and attract students and faculty, that will serve the nearby community, and spur economic development in this region. The success of Prince William County and ��AV are indeed intertwined.”

Other speakers included Jeanine Lawson, Brentsville district supervisor from the Prince William County Board of Supervisors; Tom Twomey, division president from Stanley Homes; Tim Kissler, principal at Castle Rock Partners; and Luke Torian, a state representative representing Virginia’s 52nd District in the House of Delegates. Trishana E. Bowden, Mason’s vice president for advancement and alumni relations, served as the program’s host.

The Life Sciences and Engineering Building, a 132,000-square-foot facility, will support students enrolled in STEM-H majors, such as but not limited to kinesiology, materials science, forensic science, bioengineering and mechanical engineering.

With a scheduled completion date of August 2024, the $75 million facility will include specialized instructional labs, classrooms, experiential learning collaboratories, and faculty and administrative offices to support growing student and faculty communities on the SciTech Campus.

“The scholarship and research that will take place in our Life Sciences and Engineering Building will deepen the academic footprint on this campus,” Washington said.

Ron Carmichael, the director of administration and operations for the SciTech Campus, called the additions significant.

President Gregory Washington addressed the roughly 200 guests on hand to usher in the new era. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Creative Services

“It will contribute greatly to the expanded student presence and programming on campus,” he said.

With the addition of the Life Sciences and Engineering Building and the simultaneous development of the Innovation Town Center, the SciTech Campus will provide a residential campus experience to students enrolling in relevant STEM-H programs beginning their freshman year and extending through their PhD work. The Stanley Martin portion of the Town Center will offer 1,100 townhomes for sale, while the Castle Rock portion of the Town Center will include potential student residence halls.

Retail stores will be available in the heart of the Town’s Center first floor, while the second floor will include residential, office and research space, Carmichael said.

“It’s going to have the amenities for students, faculty and staff that we’ve needed for the last 25 years,” Carmichael said.

University and local officials believe the increasingly vibrant SciTech Campus will serve as a magnet to attract new and existing businesses in Prince William County’s Innovation Park, advance the region’s innovation industries and drive associated economic growth.

Construction on the project is scheduled to begin in early May.

“It’s a really, really big deal for us,” Washington said. “The Life Sciences and Engineering Building and the private development planned for this campus will re-imagine and re-form this campus and this region. It is indeed a big deal.”

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Meet the Mason Nation: Marit Majeske

Marit Majeske

Job: Education Coordinator, Hylton Performing Arts Center

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George Mason becomes new home for 400,000 biological specimens from Inova Health Systems

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